Skip to main content
Mayo Clinic Health System
  • Patient Online Services
  • Pay Bill Online
  • Request an Appointment
    • Services
    • Providers
    • Locations

      Minnesota

      • Adams
      • Albert Lea
      • Austin
      • Belle Plaine
      • Blooming Prairie
      • Butterfield
      • Caledonia
      • Cannon Falls
      • Fairmont
      • Faribault
      • Janesville
      • Kenyon
      • Lake City
      • Le Sueur
      • Mankato
      • Montgomery
      • New Prague
      • New Richland
      • Northfield
      • Owatonna
      • Plainview
      • Red Wing
      • Sherburn
      • St. James
      • St. Peter
      • Waseca
      • Waterville
      • Wells
      • Zumbrota

      Wisconsin

      • Arcadia
      • Barron
      • Bloomer
      • Chetek
      • Chippewa Falls
      • Eau Claire
      • Ellsworth
      • Glenwood City
      • Holmen
      • La Crosse
      • Menomonie
      • Mondovi
      • Onalaska
      • Osseo
      • Prairie du Chien
      • Rice Lake
      • Sparta
      • Tomah

      Iowa

      • Decorah
      • Lake Mills

      View map
    • Classes/Events
    • Blog
    • Wellness
    • Referrals
    • COVID-19
    • Influenza
    Posted By
    Matthew Weber, D.P.M.

    Matthew (Matt) Weber, D.P.M.

    Podiatry (Foot & Ankle)

    Featured Topics
    • Behavioral Health
    • Cancer
    • Children's Health (Pediatrics)
    • COVID-19
    • COVID-19 Vaccine
    • Exercise and Fitness
    • Heart Health
    • Men's Health
    • Neurosurgery
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Orthopedic Health
    • Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery
    • Women's Health
    Join our email newsletter
    Speaking of Health
    Wednesday, March 23, 2022

    How to determine your foot arch type

    Topics in this Post
    • Foot Health
    • Get Tools to Live Your Healthiest
    Tying green laces on blue tennis shoes

    Sports can place tremendous pressure on the feet, ankles and legs, whether you're a casual athlete or participate in competitive sports. For example, running and jumping generate impact force through the legs that is three to five times a person's body weight.

    Choosing athletic shoes for specific sports activities can improve comfort and performance. They also can prevent injuries.

    One thing to know before you buy is what type of foot arch you have. If you're not sure about your foot arch type, dip your foot in water, step on a piece of cardboard and examine the print that remains. After examining the print, use the Determine Your Foot Arch chart.

    Here are descriptions of arch types and shoe characteristics that complement and support your foot:

    Normal arch (medium)

    If the middle part of your arch is about half filled, this means you have a normal arch. Your arch naturally supports your body weight and pronates, or rolls in, under a normal load.

    Look for shoes with firm midsoles and straight to semicurved lasts. Last refers to the shape of the sole and the footprint the shoe is built around, and moderate rear-foot stability.

    Identify your arch PDF

    Flat arch (low)

    If your footprint looks like a complete foot, then you have a flat arch. Your foot probably rolls in when you walk or run. Your low arches may contribute to muscle stress and joint problems.

    You could benefit from a walking shoe with a straight last and motion control to help stabilize your feet.

    High arch (low)

    If you see little of your footprint, you likely have a high arch. High arches may contribute to excessive strain on joints and muscles. Your feet may not absorb shock well, especially if you perform a lot of impact or jumping activities.

    Look for shoes with cushioning to compensate for your lack of natural shock absorption. A curved last also may help in some cases.

    Comfort counts most

    Most important of all is comfort. Multiple studies have shown no one shoe or a particular foot type is best, and comfort and proper fit should be the main criteria when selecting new athletic shoes.

    Matthew Weber, D.P.M., is a podiatrist in Fairmont, Minnesota.


    For the safety of our patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was either recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in a non-patient care area where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.
    Topics in this Post
    • Foot Health
    • Get Tools to Live Your Healthiest

    Related Posts

    Sprayer killing germs Clean up your hand-washing skills
    Showshoeing Ankle instability causes and fixes
    Patient health care video appointment 6 tips for making the most of your health care video appointment

    Stay Connected

    • Contact Us
    • Notice of Nondiscrimination
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
    • Careers
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • For Patients & Visitors
    • Financial Assistance
    • Community Resources
    • Mayo Clinic Connect
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Press Room
    • Mayo Clinic
    • Home
    © 2018 - 2023 Mayo Clinic Health System